Traveling by car may seem convenient, but it's not always the right choice. Between hours of driving, toll booths, and difficult-to-find parking, sometimes it's easier to travel by public transportation like trains or buses. Traveling by public transportation is the most interesting way to truly explore a place, discover its true characteristics, the habits of the locals, and discover things we might have missed by car, all caught up in the rush of reaching our destination.
On Lake Garda Veneto, you can easily get around using public transport, exploring the surrounding area like a true local. Forget the stress of summer traffic along the Strada Statale Gardesana Orientale: with high-speed trains, extensive bus lines, scenic boats, and spectacular cycle paths, the eastern shore of Lake Garda is one of the most accessible destinations in Italy for those seeking a slow and sustainable vacation.
Getting to Lake Garda by train: Peschiera del Garda's gateway
The strategic starting point for those traveling by rail is station Peschiera del Garda. Located directly on the Milan-Venice railway line, Peschiera is served by both regional trains and high-speed trains such as Frecciarossa and Italo.
From the train station, the historic center, the ferry terminal, and the main intercity bus hubs can be reached on foot in about 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, for those arriving from the north along the Brenner Pass or from central/southern Italy, an excellent option is to get off at Verona Porta Nuova, where frequent buses depart for all the towns on the Veneto coast. The train routes allow you to stay in cities like Venice, Vicenza, Verona, or Padua and easily travel between them without needing to move your car.
Getting around by bus: the ATV network of the Riviera degli Olivi
Choosing to travel by bus on Lake Garda can be a smart and very practical solution, especially during peak season when traffic and queues are heaviest. This way, you can enjoy your journey in complete relaxation. All vehicles are air-conditioned, perfect for the hottest days, and the routes connect the main towns on the lake, allowing you to get around with ease. Furthermore, the buses run frequently throughout the day, allowing you to truly enjoy your trip without worries.
Verona's transport is managed byATV, the Verona Transport Company, and its lines continuously connect the coastal villages and the hilly hinterland. Here are the main ones:
- Line 164: Connects Verona Porta Nuova to Garda, passing through Peschiera del Garda, Lazise, ​​and Bardolino. It's the perfect line for traveling in the southern part of the lake.
- Routes 483 and 484: These run along the entire coastal route northward. Route 483 covers the Peschiera-Malcesine stretch, while route 484 extends the route from Garda to Riva del Garda, serving Torri del Benaco, Brenzone sul Garda, and Malcesine.
- Bus line 482 connects Verona Airport with Valeggio sul Mincio, Peschiera, Lazise, ​​Bardolino, and Garda.
During the tourist season, several routes to Monte Baldo or Lessinia are equipped with bike trailers, allowing you to combine bus and cycle tourism. You can purchase the Lake Garda ATV Pass in various formats, for 1, 3, or 7 days, which grants you unlimited travel on Verona's entire suburban and urban network. Tickets can be purchased at authorized ticket offices, on board for a surcharge, or via the official Ticket Bus Verona app.
Getting around on the water: Navigarda boats and ferries
Traveling by boat is the most picturesque way to visit the lake and fully experience it, transforming a simple transfer into a panoramic mini-cruise. The public boat service is operated by Navigarda , which handles travel on Lake Maggiore, Garda, and Como.
The connections regularly connect the piers of Peschiera, Lazise, ​​Bardolino, Garda, Torri del Benaco and Malcesine.
For those who want to cross the lake and explore the Brescia shore, the Torri del Benaco – Maderno ferry , providing a continuous connection for pedestrians and cyclists. To the north, fast boats frequently connect Malcesine to Limone sul Garda.
Daily free-ride tickets are available for the entire lake or for specific areas, ideal for freely hopping on and off from one village to another within the same day and expanding your horizons well beyond the Veneto region.
Reaching the heights: the Monte Baldo cable car
In case you were about to ask, yes, you don't even need a car to reach the mountain. The Monte Baldo cable car and takes you up to an altitude of over 1,700 meters on the mountain, known as the Garden of Europe.Â
The cable car is famous for its 360° rotating cabins, which offer a panoramic view of the lake during the ascent. Furthermore, the mountain station offers hiking trails suitable for all levels and unique panoramic viewpoints.
Gentle mobility: on foot and by e-bike along the coast
If you're looking for a combination of adventure and independence, you can take advantage of the mostly flat lakeside walking and cycling paths. With a simple stroll, you can see Lazise, ​​Bardolino, and Garda, along a continuous stretch of waterfront, perfect for exploring on foot at sunset or by renting a bike.
Alternatively, you can take the Mincio cycle path and follow the river to Borghetto sul Mincio and Mantua along a cycle path suitable and accessible to all.
A sustainable stay in Veneto
Traveling without a car is a choice that transforms your vacation into an authentic experience, free from the hectic schedules and stress of driving. To fully enjoy this freedom, the winning strategy is to choose a comfortable and well-connected base: an apartment near the Verona or Padua train stations.
Whether you're planning a couples' weekend getaway through the historic streets of Lazise, ​​a week of trekking on Monte Baldo, or a relaxing escape between Bardolino and Peschiera, having your own home allows you to experience the area at your own pace, cook traditional dishes purchased at the local markets, and return after a day on the boat feeling truly at home.
Ready to discover the Verona side of Lake Garda with fresh eyes and with zero impact? Explore our selection of apartments and holiday homes , find the perfect solution for your travels and book your next worry-free stay today !
